Cantacuzino–Ghica Deleni Castle, One Of The Oldest Boyar Courts Of Moldova

The Cantacuzino-Ghica Castle from Deleni is one of Moldova’s most notable castles. The first building of the present-day architectural ensemble was the church erected in 1669, near a boyar’s court, probably the oldest in the principality. After Maria Cantacuzino’s marriage with Constantin Ghica in 1778, the estate entered the possession of the Ghica-Deleni family. The Refurbishment works the new owners commissioned gave the ensemble its current configuration. The inner stone wall and restoration and expansion works were carried out until 1802, and, afterwards, at the beginning of the 20th century, the castle was redesigned by architect Nicolae Ghika-Budesti.

The castle has large and bright spaces – rooms, lounges, lobbies – spread across the ground floor, first floor and basement. During the Second World War, for two years, the castle served as a garrison for Soviet troops.

Following the nationalization process, the building hosted the cultural house of Deleni. It then became a preventive medical unit, which has not changed to this day.